Isobutyric acid is traditionally produced via high pressure hydrocarboxylation from unsustainable petroleum feedstocks. This process involves strong acids, carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride, which may cause environmental damage. Lygos’ Bio-Isobutyric Acid addresses these problems by replacing the harmful chemical synthesis with high-yielding and environmentally friendly microbial biosynthesis.
Of primary interest, isobutyric acid and its derivative esters can be synthetically converted to methacrylates, which are important polymers (e.g. plexiglass) for automotive applications, building and construction and electronics. In comparison to other monomers with equivalent market applications and scale, methacrylates are relatively expensive, providing an opportunity for Lygos’ low-cost, sustainable processes to supplant incumbent routes.
- Automotive applications
- Construction
- Cosmetics
- Electronics
- Fibers
- Food additives
- Pharmaceuticals
- Plastics
- Solvents